About the piece
A paraphrase of Psalm 34 (“I will bless the Lord at all times”) in four voices. The edition, 15 measures in 3/2, carries soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
How to prepare it
The 3/2 meter is felt in three long half-note beats, so the pulse is broad and calm. The ranges are moderate (sopranos D4–E♭5 (a minor ninth), altos A3–B♭4 (a minor ninth), tenors E♭3–F4 (a major ninth), basses B♭2–C4 (a major ninth)). It is a good piece for working on vertical blend: rehearse the slow chords one note at a time, listening for clean tuning before adding rhythm and text.
When to use it
Suitable for Ordinary Time, as a thanksgiving chant or in place of a responsorial psalm when a metrical version is wanted.